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Have a little one on the way and thinking about how to decorate your nursery? Finding time to decide on furniture, paint colors, and wall décor, in between shopping for strollers, reading parenting books and taking birthing classes, can be overwhelming in getting everything accomplished before your baby arrives. Remember, decorating a nursery is very exciting as you are ultimately creating a new home for your newest addition. Once you have the few simple nursery decorating tips down, the decorating process becomes must easier!

Select paint and furniture together.

Often times new parents jump right in and start decorating their new nursery by picking out a color palette before shopping for furniture and bedding for the crib. There are so many furniture and bedding options available, don’t limit yourself. From warm tones to bright colors, pastel pinks, animal prints, and more pick a colorful bedding design you love, then select a paint color to match. It is much easier to match a paint color to your bedding.

Quick tip: Create an inspiration board and research furniture and room décor you would like in your nursery. After you see your selections laid out, select a paint color that would go with your theme. If looking for a place to get started, browse Bellacor’s selection of bedding for cribs.

Once you have determined both your furniture and your paint colors, start designing your space!

Choose flexible décor

Babies grow quickly and so will their room décor. Choose flexible décor that is easy to move around and change the room easily without repainting and redoing every time. Wall decals are a great solution for unique and affordable décor. Backed with a peel and stick backing and featuring endless themes, quotes and characters, you can quickly switch your baby room theme to a toddler theme (once your baby grows older) in just an afternoon. Just search for RoomMates Décor on Bellacor to discover ideas for removable nursery wall décor.

Consider the function of the room

With the overload of options to decorate your nursery with, don’t forget the core function of the room – for baby to sleep, read, play and more. Make sure to have practical pieces like a quality rocking chair and a changing station area equipped with enough storage for all your baby’s belongings.

Select a calming color palette

Give your nursery a tranquil feel with calming paint colors. Select light to mid-tone shades if you want to make your room feel larger. You may want to pass on a glossy paint option as it tends to reflect light.

Photo Credit: Home By Heidi found on Pinterest

Think about lighting.

Soft lighting is important to instill a tranquil effect in the room. Often overlooked how the light comes in through the window when the sun rises each morning, consider Bellacor’s Nighttime Nursery Drapery Liner to totally control the light in your nursery. A drapery liner will create a block out of light in your nursery.

Now, you should be ready to decorate your nursery. Don’t forget to have fun! Your baby will grow up before you know it.

Jessica Toutsis is the Digital Marketing Manager for Roommatesdecor.com and is passionate about blogging, all things Web, and of course wall decals! Her expertise lies around content development, as well as SEO and social media and she frequently writes about home decor, re-purposing and home organization. To read more of Jessica’s blog posts, follow the RoomMates blog and add RoomMates Décor on Google+

If you’ve spent any time at Bellacor.com, you know we’re a great source for lighting and home furnishings. That’s what we do best, and that’s what we know you’re looking for when you visit. But did you know Bellacor offers a wide variety of toys, dolls and games? Hmm, we wonder when you might be in the market for some of those kinds of things. Yep, just in time for the holiday gifting season, here are 5 top picks from our toy store.

KidKraft Fire Station Kids Play Set

A lot of kids have a dollhouse, but how many have their very own firehouse? Boys and girls are going to love this fire station, which includes a helipad on the roof and garage doors that open and close. The set also has 10 pieces of furniture and 2 flexible firefighters, who are built to bend to your kids’ will. Oh, and we almost forgot the helicopter and fire truck that come along with this station. Those would make great gifts all by themselves. Maybe you could keep the firehouse for yourself?

KidKraft Fire Station Kids Play Set

Woodstock Percussion Woodstock Kids Guitar

You already know that your child rocks. But now they can rock for real with their very first guitar.With its high-gloss, natural wood finish, this just like a full-size guitar, only sized down for smaller hands. It’s great for taking lessons and it comes with a songbook by renowned folk musician Happy Traum (includes information on changing strings and tuning). It also comes with a guitar pick and an extra set of strings. They’ll be making beautiful music before you know it. We think this is how Mozart got his start.

Woodstock Percussion Kids Guitar

KidKraft Kids Holiday Puzzle Set

This four-puzzle set celebrates positive play habits with a variety of shapes and themes that keep the fun fresh. Chanukah is just around the corner, and this would be a great gift for a younger child during that time. In fact, one the puzzles is Chanukah themed, while the others honor Shabbat, Passover and Rosh Hashanah respectively. Children ages 3 and up can play with this solidly built puzzle set.

KidKraft Kids Holiday Puzzle Set

Wesco Green Plastic Wescomobile

Molded from a single piece of plastic, this sturdy little scooter can stand up to the day-to-day strain your child will surely put it through. This little vehicle is built for kids ages 2-4. The solid rubber tires won’t scuff your floors. Best of all, the seat stays where it is so you child won’t be slipping and sliding as he or she glides across the floor. It’s time for your baby’s first car and this is the safest ride around. By holding onto the two handles and moving their legs, children can cruise for hours.

Wesco Green Plastic Wescomobile

Guidecraft Natural See and Store Dress-Up Center

Every kid loves to play dress up. We encourage this kind of thing because it encourages imagination and feeds their dreams. Some want to be princesses. Some want to be firemen. When they play dress up, they can be all of these, any of these things. This unit features three storage compartments on one side for toys, shoes and dramatic play items; a deep bottom with sides; a sturdy wood dowel for hanging clothes and costumes; and an acrylic mirror for dramatic play. It’s the ideal addition to your children’s play area. Store old uniforms or Halloween costumes and let the kids have a blast.

Guidecraft Natural See and Store Dress-Up Center

BONUS PICKS

OK, we cheated a bit. Here are two more cool items that aren’t exactly toys, but you and your child would love to have either of these in their room.

Roommates Decor Toy Story 3 Peel and Stick Wall Decals

Did you hear they’re making a Toy Story 4? Well, get your kid prepped for the next movie by decorating their rooms with these stick-on decals of their favorite characters. They will love decorating with Woody, Buzz and their gang of joyful toys. Parents will love that these RoomMates decals are easy to apply, remove and reposition. And if you move, they can go with you. They are totally reusable. Bellacor has a good selection of Toy Story decals. This set has 33 decals in all, and some even glow in the dark! Reach for the sky, and add these to you holiday gift list today.

Roommates Decor Toy Story 3 Peel and Stick Wall Decals

Guidecraft Moon and Stars Toy Box

Now that you’ve add a bunch of new toys to you kids’ collection this holiday season, maybe it’s time to find a new place to put them all. You’re just paying off those gifts, the last thing you need is a hospital bill after tripping over a wayward toy. Bellacor has a huge selection of toy boxes, celebrating superheroes, sports and more. But this toy box would work great if you have a boy and a girl. It’s nice to look at, but not too girly or boyish. You don’t need two toy boxes. Toss everything in here and let the kids sort it out later.

When you hear the words “window blinds,” you probably picture the cheap, unattractive window treatments that every apartment or home you’ve rented in the past has had. Window blinds, however, don’t have to be dull or cheap-looking. Here are some tips for decorating with window blinds that are good for both your wallet and your interior design.

Save the more expensive and stylish blinds for rooms lacking in visual appeal.

Photo credit: Dwellings by DeVore

There’s no need to have elaborate designs covering each one of your windows. In rooms that already have statement decor, use neutral or solid-colored window blinds to improve the overall look. This also allows your more decorative blinds (the ones that feature patterns or designs) to have more of an impact.

Consider materials other than plastic.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Plastic blinds might be cheap, but they also often look cheap and tend to get damaged more easily. Try other materials for blinds instead, such as bamboo or faux wood. There are more durable and can lend a sophisticated appearance to your space.

Match blinds to your decorating style.

Photo credit: City Farmhouse

Is your space casual and comfortable? Formal and elegant? Modern and chic? The blinds you choose can help you create the look you’re trying to achieve. If your space is fun and eclectic, try a bold color. A modern space would look great with an eye-catching design.

Try layering the look with a curtain.

Photo credit: Involving Color

Instead of replacing your current window blinds, you could also try layering a curtain on top. In the winter months, this is a great way to prevent cold air from getting into your home. It also solves your dull window-treatment problems if you live in a rented space and can’t remove your blinds.Besides style and budget, other factors that you will want to consider when choosing blinds are sunlight and privacy. For example, if you want to let only partial sunlight into your home, choose blinds in a light color and fabric. Roll-up blinds allow you to achieve complete privacy when you need it.

You might call it “the mudroom,” but that doesn’t mean you have to actually let your entryway get muddy. To prevent your mudroom from becoming a mess this winter (due to tracking in snow, water and dirt, and from having to hang bulky outdoor apparel), try these four winter clean-up solutions.

1. Place outdoor mats on both sides of the doors

Photo credit: Matthew Benson, This Old House

When the temperature is below zero outside, your family will want to get inside as fast as possible. By having another doormat placed inside your home, people are able to clean off their shoes in a more cozy and warm space. Additionally, having two mats that guests and family members can use might reduce the amount of snow and mud tracked into your home.

2. Set a boot tray next to the door

Photo credit: Pinterest

Boot trays are designed to keep floors clean, and in addition to boots, they can also be used to hold wet umbrellas. If you place the boot tray right next to the front door, people will know to take their boots off immediately after walking inside your home.

3. Prevent clutter with a great storage system

Snow and dirt aren’t the only things that can muck up your mudroom in the winter. You’ll also be keeping bulky coats, gloves, hats, scarves and snow pants in the mudroom. If you don’t already have storage solutions in place, consider what would be best with the amount of space you have. Hall tree benches, which are cubbies with hooks and storage boxes, are a great way to separate your family’s outdoor gear. Storage benches are also useful to have in mudrooms.

4. Keep only winter items in the mudroom

If you’re working with limited mudroom space, save some room by removing your fall and spring jackets. Pack away any clothes or sporting equipment that you won’t use in the winter and place them in storage areas like the basement or attic.

This winter, keep your mudroom mud-free. With the right furniture and accessories, you can easily keep your entryway clean and organized.

Every year I think I have plenty of time to buy Christmas gifts, and every year the holidays creep up on me. This leaves me frantically searching for the perfect present at the last minute. If you find yourself in a similar situation year after year, stop the cycle now and take advantage of these holiday gift ideas to get you inspired.

Gifts for him

Sail Model Defender, 1895: With this classic decor piece set up in his office or room, he can sail away to a more relaxed state any time of the day.

Home Stag Bookends: For the rustic man in your life, these stag bookends make the perfect present.

No one likes their home to feel cold, but having to pay high utility bills just to keep the space warm isn’t ideal either. Fortunately, there are cost-effective strategies you can use to keep energy costs down and your home cozy. These four curtain ideas, for example, are easy to implement and can save you money this winter.

Replace curtains with thermal and heavy materials

Thermal curtains are designed to prevent winter drafts from entering your home. They are typically made from heavier materials and some are tightly woven to keep out the cold air. Plus, thermal curtains come in many stylish options, so you don’t have to sacrifice a great interior design for warmth.

Hang drapes in open doorways

If you can’t keep all of the cold air out of your home, you can at least prevent drafts from entering certain spaces. If you have open doorways, use drapes to act as doors. This is also a great way to incorporate more style into your space.

Add layers

Photo credit: Plum Pretty Sugar

If one thick curtain isn’t going to do the trick, hang up blinds or shades first. Then add a layer of curtains on top for more protection.

When the sun is shining into your home, open your curtains

You don’t have to leave your curtains closed all winter long. During the day, allow the sun to shine into your home, which will help keep your rooms warm.

There are plenty of ways to keep your house warm in the winter, without having to turn up the heat even more. Learn additional ways to cut energy costs by reading these winterizing tips.

Now that October is over and the spooky Halloween decor has been put away, it’s time to start thinking about the next big holiday: Thanksgiving! Every holiday is enjoyable for different reasons, but I particularly love Thanksgiving because it’s a day dedicated to giving thanks, spending time with family and eating a lot of food.

To get ready for the big day, I’ve compiled some easy Thanksgiving decor ideas that you and your guests will love.

1. Decide on a theme

Are you going to throw a modern Thanksgiving? A rustic one? Deciding on a theme first will help you narrow your options when buying or making decor for your home.

2. Think beyond traditional fall colors

While you certainly can decorate with oranges, reds and browns, you don’t have to. If you want to try something new this year, think outside the box when it comes to colors. Dark purple, metallics, white, light blue and navy could all be used to create a Thanksgiving display.

3. Incorporate faux pumpkins into your decorating scheme

Photo credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween. Rather than carving real pumpkins though, you can use faux ones to create a sophisticated space. Consider using a white faux pumpkin as a flower vase or smaller pumpkin candle holders in your home.

4. Design a fun kid’s table

Photo credit: Frog Prince Paperie

Leave the fancy, elegant decor for the big table on Thanksgiving day and try using kid-friendly decor for the children to enjoy. If you have kids of your own, this can be a great opportunity for them to get crafty and create fun table decor.

5. Display your food as decor

Thanksgiving day is all about the delicious food you’ll be serving, so it makes sense to arrange your food in a visually appealing way. Details matter, from the serving platters and bowls you choose to which foods you place next to each other.

6. Save elaborate centerpieces for the buffet table

Photo credit: Centsational Girl

Decorating the dining table is great, but you don’t want large decor getting in the way of conversation and eating. Instead, move your elaborate centerpieces and table decor to the buffet table, so guests can still admire your style.

Buying new living room furniture? Before you automatically start browsing the sofas and chairs, take some time to consider a sectional first. It seems many people are hesitant to buy a sectional and I’m not sure why. Maybe it is due to their larger size, or maybe people are just hesitant to try something new, fearing they will regret it later. While not for everyone, I think there’s a lot to love about sectionals. Read on to learn the benefits of sectionals and you might just realize you love them, too.

1. They are perfectly designed for taking naps

Let’s start off with one of the great advantages, in my opinion, because who doesn’t love a good nap? While sofas allow one person to take a snooze, anyone else in the house who wants to relax for a bit has to try and get comfortable in a small chair. Sectionals are big enough to allow more than one person to stretch out and get some rest on a lazy Saturday.

2. You can use a sectional to define your space

Photo credit: Insterior

If you have an open floor plan, creating defined spaces is the only way to prevent your home from feeling like one big room. With their long and often L-shaped form, sectionals are a great way to separate the living room from other areas, such as the dining room.

3. Sectionals are versatile

Photo credit: Thimble Blossoms by Camille Roskelley

Most sectionals separate into two or more pieces. If you ever get tired of your living room’s arrangement or move into a space where a sectional doesn’t work, you can break apart the pieces and use them separately.

4. Your guests have a place to sit

Not only do sofas provide more room for napping, but they also offer more places to sit. The next time you host a party, you’ll finally have enough room for all of your guests without bringing in the old folding chairs.

5. They save space

Photo credit: The Little Corner

Most people wouldn’t think that sectionals save space since they are larger than chairs or sofas, but trust me, they can. Sectionals can be arranged to fit in tight corners, and you won’t have to buy additional seating, either.

As you can see, sectionals offer many benefits that make them a great choice for the living room. It might even be the best option for your space!

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, you should draw attention to it with great decor! I love fireplaces for the warmth they provide in the winter, but I also love their charming looks and how they can enhance a living room’s interior design all year long.

If your fireplace is looking a little bare, add visual appeal by decorating above the mantel. These seven tips will help get you started.

1. Don’t forget about the wall.

Photo credit: HGTV

The mantel shelf is a great place to add decorative items, but you can also draw attention to your fireplace by hanging a mirror, clock or piece of artwork on the wall directly above the mantel. If you decide to go this route, decorate the shelf with pieces that complement your wall art and complete the look.

2.Illuminate with lighting.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Mood lighting can give your fireplace an even cozier look. Try decorating the shelf with candles or hanging two sconce lights on the wall above the mantel.

3.Get creative with art.

Photo credit: The Inspired Room

You can hang up your favorite piece of art on the wall, or if it’s small enough, stand it on the shelf at an angle. For an eclectic look, place three or more smaller paintings on the shelf so they overlap.

4.Play with different heights.

Photo credit: Thimble Blossoms

Using decorative items of varying heights is a great way to create more visual interest. Play around with different arrangements and objects to get the look just right.

5.Use balance to create a put-together look.

Photo credit: Tidbits and Twine

Consider how your fireplace would look if it were split down the center. Would it look balanced? Your fireplace decor doesn’t have to be perfectly symmetrical, but finding a balance will help your display look good.

6. Create a theme.

Photo credit: Digs Digs

If you’re struggling to find the right decor for your fireplace, try coming up with a theme. You could create a vintage theme by decorating only with antique items, or you could do something as simple as using the same color.

7. Keep in mind your room’s style.

Photo credit: One Kind Design

There are a lot of ways you can decorate your fireplace, and what works for you might depend on the room’s style. If your living room, for example, follows a minimalist style, then a cluttered mantel shelf might look out of place.

For me, the holidays are a time to enjoy family and friends, great food and fun entertainment. I love this time of year and even the snow starts to feel magical around the holidays (once January comes, however, my feelings toward snow change drastically). Of course, along with joy and excitement, I have also experienced feelings of stress in the past and I’m sure you have, too. It’s hard not to when you have hosting duties to consider and parties to plan!

This year, stay ahead of the game by starting the to-do list below now. By preparing for the holidays in advance, you can spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones, rather than feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

1. Prepare your guest room and plan sleeping arrangements

Photo credit: Tatertots & Jello

If you’ve been using your guest room as a storage space lately, clear out the clutter and consider adding some welcoming touches. Depending on how many people are staying over, you might have to turn your living room or basement area into guest rooms, too. Consider the sleeping arrangement that works best for everyone and what supplies you will need (like blankets, air mattresses, etc.) to make it work.

2. Plan your menus

Photo credit: Grin & Bake it

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, it’s not a bad idea to start planning menus now. Decide whether you want to make everything yourself or if you would rather have each guest bring a dish to share. If you’re hosting a potluck, knowing in advance will allow family and friends time to prepare for your party as well.

3. Start cooking (and freezing)

Photo credit: Feast on the Cheap

Holiday treats, soups and other foods can be prepared and then frozen several weeks before your party. This way you don’t have to live in the kitchen during the holidays and you can make cooking for guests feel more manageable.

4. Search for gifts

Photo credit: Pinterest

You know those people who are in the mall, hours before their holiday party, trying to find the perfect gift? Don’t be one of those people. Trust me, you’ll feel a lot less stressed if you start coming up with gift ideas now, rather than waiting until the last minute.

We might have some time before the holiday season begins, but now is the best time to start preparing for guests and parties. When the day of your first get-together arrives, you’ll feel confident and ready for the big occasion – after all, the hostess deserves to have fun, too!